Skip to main content

Essentials of Biology by Sylvia S. Mader and Michael Windelspecht

ISBN10: 1266508694 | ISBN13: 9781266508691

2026 Release

Product not yet available for student view. Change to an older release to view student options.

Textbook Rental 150 Days Access
ISBN10: 1266508694 | ISBN13: 9781266508691
  • Rent for a fraction of the printed textbook price
  • Complete text bound in hardcover or softcover
    Note: Payment through authorized rental partners
$78.00
Loose-Leaf Purchase
ISBN10: 1266655107 | ISBN13: 9781266655104
  • Unbound loose-leaf version of full text
  • Discount loose-leaf available within Connect
$169.99

Note: Connect can only be used if assigned by your instructor. 

Connect 180 Days Access (Standard)
ISBN10: 1266089624 | ISBN13: 9781266089626
  • Digital access to a comprehensive online learning platform
  • Includes homework, study tools, eBook, and adaptive assignments
  • Download the free ReadAnywhere app to access the eBook offline
  • Check with your instructor to see if a discounted loose-leaf version is available for purchase within Connect for an additional charge.
$127.27

Print Details

ISBN10: 1266655107 | ISBN13: 9781266655104

Print Features:

  • Free instructor sample copy
  • Hardcopy and softcover formats available

Connect Details

ISBN10: 1266089624 | ISBN13: 9781266089626

Connect Features:

  • Integrates in your LMS.
  • Prebuilt courses, presentation slides and instructor resources.
  • Test question banks, adaptive assignments, essay prompts, video content and more interactive exercises specific to your course subject.
  • eBook access (with included ReadAnywhere app).
  • Print book add-on availability.
  • Remote proctoring.
Take a Tour Learn More

* The estimated amount of time this product will be on the market is based on a number of factors, including faculty input to instructional design and the prior revision cycle and updates to academic research-which typically results in a revision cycle ranging from every two to four years for this product. Pricing subject to change at any time.

Instructor Quick Actions

Get eBook Access Get access as soon as you validate!
Request a Print Sample Get a copy as soon as validated.
Contact a Rep Find a local rep best suited for you.
Find Rep

Product Information

Essentials of Biology, is designed to provide students who are not majoring in science with a fundamental understanding of the science of biology. Even though these students are not scientists, an understanding of how science can help identify, analyze, and offer solutions to the many challenges facing human society is critical to our species' health and survival.

McGraw Hill eBooks and digital platforms use an Evergreen delivery model with a release-centered process that makes it easy to keep courses fresh, engaging, and relevant.

Release Notes provide detailed information about new and updated content delivered with each release.

Your account requires validation. Please contact your sales representative.

  • 1. Biology: The Science of Life
  • 2. The Chemical Basis of Life
  • 3. The Organic Molecules of Life
  • 4. Inside the Cell
  • 5. The Dynamic Cell
  • 6. Energy for Life
  • 7. Energy for Cells
  • 8. Cellular Reproduction
  • 9. Meiosis and the Genetic Basis of Sexual Reproduction
  • 10. Patterns of Inheritance
  • 11. The Instructions for Life: DNA and RNA
  • 12. Biotechnology and Genomics
  • 13. Mutations and Genetic Testing
  • 14. Darwin and Evolution
  • 15. Evolution on a Small Scale
  • 16. Evolution on a Large Scale
  • 17. Viruses, Bacteria, and Protists
  • 18. Plants and Fungi
  • 19. Animals
  • 20. Plant Anatomy and Growth
  • 21. Plant Responses and Reproduction
  • 22. Organization of the Animal Body and Homeostasis
  • 23. The Transport Systems
  • 24. The Maintenance Systems
  • 25. Digestion and Human Nutrition
  • 26. Defenses Against Disease
  • 27. The Control Systems
  • 28. Sensory Input and Motor Output
  • 29. Reproduction, Development, and Aging
  • 30. Ecology and Populations
  • 31. Communities and Ecosystems
  • 32. Human Impact on the Biosphere

About the Author

Sylvia S. Mader

Sylvia S. Mader has authored several nationally recognized biology texts published by McGraw-Hill. Educated at Bryn Mawr College, Harvard University, Tufts University, and Nova Southeastern University, she holds degrees in both Biology and Education. Over the years she has taught at University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Massachusetts Bay Community College; Suffolk University; and Nathan Mayhew Seminars. Her ability to reach out to science-shy students led to the writing of her first text, Inquiry into Life, which is now in its fifteenth edition. Highly acclaimed for her crisp and entertaining writing style, her books have become models for others who write in the field of biology.

Michael Windelspecht

Michael Windelspecht has taught introductory biology, genetics, and human genetics in the online, traditional, and hybrid formats at community colleges, universities, and military institutions. Educated at Michigan State University and the University of South Florida, he is currently an adjunct professor of biology at Appalachian State University. He served for over a decade as the Introductory Biology Coordinator at Appalachian State University, a program that enrolled over 4,500 students annually. As an author and editor, Dr. Windelspecht has published over 20 reference textbooks and multiple print and online lab manuals and has founded several science communication companies, including Ricochet Creative Productions, which develops and assesses new technologies for the science classroom. Learn more about Dr. Windelspecht at www.michaelwindelspecht.com.

Accessibility

Creating accessible products is a priority for McGraw Hill. We make accessibility and adhering to WCAG AA guidelines a part of our day-to-day development efforts and product roadmaps.

For more information, visit our accessibility page, or contact us at accessibility@mheducation.com

Need support?   We're here to help - Get real-world support and resources every step of the way.

Top